Below is the text of Mr Major’s tribute to Goh Chok Tong after he left office as the Prime Minister of Singapore. The tribute was published in July 2004.

JOHN MAJOR:

Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and I both took office on the same day in 1990, since when he has steered Singapore successfully for nearly a decade and a half. He soon became a firm friend and one that I continue to cherish.

I have always valued my exchanges with the Prime Minister and his balanced and lucid views. Although around the world it has been a difficult period - politically and economically - Singapore has always been in safe hands under his leadership.